Get Ready to Sing Along: High School Musical Reunion Movie in the Works for HSMTMTS Season 4
Get ready for the ultimate High School Musical experience in 'HSMTMTS' Season 4! With potential cameos, love triangles, and a reunion movie, fans can expect a meta approach that connects back to the original cinematic universe Find out which cast members are returning, what play they'll perform, and more in this exciting season
Season 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series will see the students returning to East High for their senior year and putting on an unforgettable musical. Despite taking a break, the show is set to continue entertaining fans with its signature blend of drama, humor, and heart. In May 2022, President of Disney Branded Television, Ayo Davis, praised creator Tim Federle's evolving vision for the series and expressed excitement for what's to come for the Wildcats. The show must go on, and HSMTMTS is ready to deliver once again.
The creator of the show expressed enthusiasm for the universe he crafted in the mockumentary musical drama. "This series has been a grand adventure since the beginning and I am incredibly thankful that we can continue to create music, share these narratives, and showcase these talented actors," Federle stated. The series features Sofia Wylie, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, and Frankie A. Rodriguez. The show drew even more attention two months later when Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens visited East High separately.
On Instagram, the actor shared a photo of himself posing in front of the school in July 2022, referencing The Breakfast Club with his quote and pose. His onscreen father, Bart Johnson, commented on the post, expressing his delight and welcoming his "son" back home. Meanwhile, Hudgens took a stroll down memory lane a month earlier, reminiscing about the ease of making friends in kindergarten.
As part of her social media post, the actress and Spring Breakers star shared a video of herself dancing in front of a school. During the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards, where she served as host, Hudgens also took a moment to reflect on her time with the High School Musical franchise. With a hint of humor, she commented on the differences in today's high school musicals compared to when she starred in the series back in 2006. Hudgens quipped that there seems to be less singing, more hair pulling, and a lot more cleavage at Euphoria High, as she portrayed the character of Cassie Howard in a skit.
In season 3 of HSMTMTS, the characters performed Disney's Frozen during their visit to Camp Shallow Lake. At the D23 Expo in September 2022, the cast and crew announced their return to East High for season 4. Keep reading for more information on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 4.
Credit: Disney+
'HSMTMTS' Season 4 Is Staging a 'High School Musical' Reunion Movie: Everything to Know About the Meta Approach
Despite the hiatus, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series will return for season 4, with the students of East High facing their final year and gearing up for an unforgettable musical performance. The show must indeed go on, and fans can expect the same level of excitement and entertainment as before.
Disney+ announced in May 2022 that HSMTMTS would be returning for season 3 in July of the same year. President of Disney Branded Television, Ayo Davis, praised the show for its ability to consistently deliver high-quality drama, humor, and heart. Creator Tim Federle was also thrilled to continue building the world of the mockumentary musical drama, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to tell stories and showcase the talented cast.
The popular show, featuring a talented cast including Sofia Wylie, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, and Frankie A. Rodriguez, gained even more attention when Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens made separate visits to East High two months later. Efron's Instagram post in July 2022, in which he posed in front of the school and referenced The Breakfast Club with his quote and pose, added to the buzz surrounding the show. Even Bart Johnson, who played Efron's onscreen father, expressed his delight at the post and welcomed Efron back home.
On Instagram, Hudgens took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about the days in kindergarten when making friends was effortless. "Do you remember meeting a kid and within 10 seconds, playing like you've been best friends forever because you didn't have to pretend to be anyone else but yourself?" she wrote. Along with her heartfelt message, she shared a video of herself dancing in front of her old school. The actress also took a moment to reflect on her time with the High School Musical franchise while hosting the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards earlier that year.
Hudgens playfully noted that high school musicals have evolved since 2006, with Euphoria High showcasing less singing and more dramatic hair pulling and revealing outfits. This observation followed her portrayal of Cassie Howard during a skit in June 2022. The third season of HSMTMTS took the characters to Camp Shallow Lake where they performed Disney's Frozen. However, in September 2022, the cast and crew announced at the D23 Expo that they would be returning to East High.
Scroll down for everything to know about season 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series:
Credit: Disney/Fred Hayes
Is HSM’s Monique Coleman Returning for ‘HSMTMTS’ Season 4?
Coleman excitedly announced to E! News in November 2022 that she will be returning to East High, promising fans a nostalgic experience that will live up to their expectations.
Coleman revealed that the upcoming season 4 will have a "very meta" approach, where she will be portraying a fictionalized version of herself who is making a comeback to the HSM franchise for the fictional High School Musical 4: The Reunion. She further explained that the show will have a "movie within a movie" concept, with the actors playing themselves as well as their respective characters. In her case, she will be playing an exaggerated version of herself, in addition to reprising her role as Taylor.
Credit: Disney+
Which Cast Members Are Returning for Season 4?
Bassett, Wylie, Reneé, Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, and Julia Lester are set to return to their roles for season 4. However, it has not yet been confirmed if Cornett, Larry Saperstein, and Joe Serafini will be joining them as series regulars.
Newcomers Kylie Cantrall, Matthew Sato, Caitlin Reilly and Vasthy Mompoint have also been cast.
Credit: Disney+
What Play Will the Students Put on in Season 4?
While gearing up for their final production as high school seniors, the students of the Disney+ series' fourth season will be taking on the challenge of putting on a musical rendition of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. However, their already hectic schedules are further complicated when they learn that their school will also be the filming location for High School Musical 4: The Reunion, in which they'll be given the opportunity to play featured extras.
Credit: Disney+
How Will Season 4 Connect Back to the 'High School Musical' Cinematic Universe?
Fans of the original franchise have been eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite cast members, with KayCee Stroh, Lucas Grabeel, and Corbin Bleu having made appearances on the show in the past. Speculation has arisen among eagle-eyed fans following separate visits by Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens to the Salt Lake City school, ahead of the season 4 plot announcement. Disney has now confirmed that Monique Coleman, Bart Johnson, and Alyson Reed will join the returning cast members for the upcoming season, much to the excitement of fans.
Credit: Disney+
Will Olivia Rodrigo Return?
As season 4 of the show progresses, the writers are still uncertain about Nini's future. According to Federle, there is no definite plan for Olivia Rodrigo's character to play a major role in the show going forward. However, he also stated that he never says never and that the world has a way of surprising him. Despite this, the writers are focused on serving the current cast members and ensuring that their storylines are given the attention they deserve. Federle hopes that the show will continue for a long time, leaving the possibility for Nini's return open.
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Will Gina's Love Triangle With Ricky and E.J. Get Resolved?
Onscreen, Gina parted ways with E.J. before telling Ricky about her feelings for him. The new couple and their growing romance will presumably be at the center of season 4.
"It's time for Gina to take control of her own life," said Federle, commenting on the future of Ricky and Gina's relationship. "She's been living in her mom's shadow and following her boyfriend's lead for too long. Now, it's important for Gina to make her own decisions and set her own rules, both as a young woman and in her relationship with Ricky. I believe she's capable of taking charge and paving her own path."
Credit: Disney/Anne Marie Fox
Will E.J. Come Back for Season 4?
"I firmly believe that Matt Cornett is an integral part of High School Musical. His talent as an actor is simply outstanding. Although E.J. faced many challenges in season 3, especially towards the end when he was struggling to meet his father's unrealistic expectations, there is still more to his story," shared the creator with Hollywood Life. "However, it's important to note that E.J. has completed his high school education, both literally and metaphorically. He needs to take some time to discover himself and his path. While he will continue to be a part of the show, he won't be returning to high school."
Credit: Disney; Inset: Shutterstock
Will Ricky Score the Lead Role Once Again?
"I'm not certain," Federle contemplated about reprising his role as Troy after three seasons of Ricky being offered the lead role in a play. He further added, "Josh has been persuading me for a couple of years now to sing 'Scream,' and it does seem like this season would be the perfect opportunity for that." Federle expressed his excitement for the upcoming season with the incredible music from High School Musical 3 and the characters who will be stepping into different roles, making it an enjoyable experience.
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Is Seb and Carlos' Romance on the Rocks?
During the Junior Theater Festival in January 2023, Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini gave fans a hint at possible issues between Seb and Carlos. As they sang an excerpt from the season 4 track "Over Again," Serafini's lyrics expressed regret and a desire for a second chance. He acknowledged his flaws and apologized to Carlos for not being good enough. The emotional performance left fans wondering what could have gone wrong between the couple.
Credit: Disney/Fred Hayes
What Did the Season 4 Stills Reveal?
Disney+ provided a sneak peek of the upcoming season in June 2023, offering viewers a glimpse of Ricky and Gina's blossoming romance from the beginning. Additionally, fans were treated to a peek at the close-knit group of friends as they prepare for their next theatrical production.
